Why Is My Car Overheating?

From major parts like the engine to tiny valves, your car has many parts in its cooling system that allow it to function smoothly. Cracks, leaks, and even parts that aren't installed properly can cause significant problems with the cooling system, including causing your car to overheat. If you notice smoke coming out from beneath the hood as you're driving, turn off the vehicle as soon as possible and contact us for help.

Broken Water Pump

The water pump is one of the primary components of your car's cooling system. If the water pump stops functioning correctly, it won't produce the required amount of pressure for moving coolant fluid through the cooling system. The water pump can stop working for several reasons, including developing leaks. The water pump belt can also wear out over time, which causes the water pump to stop working correctly, and parts in the pump can become eroded.

Radiator and Radiator Fans

The radiator and radiator fans are other essential parts that help cool your vehicle's engine. The radiator fans keep the engine sufficiently cool under normal circumstances by drawing in air from the radiator to keep the coolant fluid at the right temperature. The fans can break, which prevents them from moving air, or they might stop working correctly if another part in the radiator system breaks, such as the motor fan or a fan clutch. Either way, the fans can't control the engine's temperature if they are not working, which causes it to overheat.

Cooling System Leaks

Of all the possible causes for your car to overheat, a leaking cooling system is one of the most common, and therefore one of the most likely scenarios. The cooling system may develop a leak from several sources, including the head gasket, thermostat housing, heater core, and freeze plugs. Coolant fluid can drain out anywhere there is a leak, which means that your car won't have the proper levels of coolant fluid it needs to keep the engine and cooling system cool. If your vehicle has a leak in the cooling system, you may notice pools of green or blue liquid under your car when it's stopped or parked. You might smell a sweet scent when you're driving along, which means that coolant fluid may be leaking out. If you think that the cooling system may be the culprit, make an appointment for service right away.

If you are having problems with an overheating car or suspect a leak, contact us today for repairs.